Will I be needing a wetsuit?

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2005-08-16 10:59 PM

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Subject: Will I be needing a wetsuit?
I'm doing a sprint tri (1/4 m open water swim) in Lake Erie on Sept. 10. I'd really not like to buy a wetsuit right now, as the finances are tight with my going abroad...but if I'm going to die without one, I'll rent one. My thoughts were..."it's only 1/4 mile...swim on track and you wont be in long enough to feel it", my other thought was, "but it's september!".


2005-08-16 11:24 PM
in reply to: #226985

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Pasadena, CA
Subject: RE: Will I be needing a wetsuit?

What is the water temp going to be? Air temp on race day (and morning)? How long do you expect to be in the water (including warm up)? Trying new things on race day is not recommended but either is freezing :-)... if the goal of the race is just having fun and you don't mind wearing a wetsuit that you're not used to than I'd ask... Can you borrow one? Pehaps you can demo a wetsuit?

Wetsuits are faster as they correct our body positions enabling better hydrodynamics (remember... water is 300 times more dense than air).

2005-08-17 12:01 AM
in reply to: #226985

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Subject: RE: Will I be needing a wetsuit?
You could always try renting one. I'm from Salt Lake and there are several shops around here that rent them for around $30 for the weekend. I'd imagine that there are probably some shops up there that rent as well.
2005-08-17 6:27 AM
in reply to: #226985

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Subject: RE: Will I be needing a wetsuit?
anyone know of any sites to find water temps? I'm looking for Presque Isle State park beach.
2005-08-17 9:14 AM
in reply to: #226985

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Subject: RE: Will I be needing a wetsuit?
Water should be warm in a state park at the height of summer. You have stated elsewhere you are an accomplished swimmer. The answer then would be no. Wet suit helps weaker swimmers the most, it is a safety feature as it adds so much buoyancy and temp protection. We swim in the ocean here with 54 degree temps, some people go without wet suits, not me, no way.
2005-08-17 10:38 AM
in reply to: #226985

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Subject: RE: Will I be needing a wetsuit?
Lake Erie should be plenty warm enough that time of year. Rent a suit if you want to boost your confidence and be a little bit faster, but you should be fine without one.

2005-08-17 10:45 AM
in reply to: #226985

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Subject: RE: Will I be needing a wetsuit?
Tracey,  you will be fine.  I did plenty of swimming, sailing, etc, in Lake Erie growing up, and you won't have any concerns at all regarding water temperature. 
2005-08-17 11:36 AM
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Subject: RE: Will I be needing a wetsuit?
For Lake Erie water temps near Erie PA, see; http://www.landbigfish.com/watertemps/erie2.cfm?ID=9

Looks like there can be upwelling of cold deep water near shore! A lot of this depends on the winds. I swam in Lake Onterio last month in 75F water in a QR QuickJohn (short legs & sleeveless). Not that I had too but just about everyone else had on full wetsuits!

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